James Gunn’s wife recently revealed which DC Universe (DCU) project holds a special place in the DC Studios co-CEO’s heart, though she admitted he would likely refuse to admit it publicly. As co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn oversees a range of superhero stories including Lanterns and The Batman: Part 2, while continuing to write and direct projects like Creature Commandos Season 1, Superman, and Peacemaker Season 2. His favorite project, however, appears to be the HBO Max series Peacemaker, according to his wife Jennifer Holland, who also stars in the show.
Peacemaker has a deeper personal connection for Gunn, not only because of his creative involvement but also due to his friendship with Peacemaker’s star John Cena and the close relationship with the cast. Holland plays Emilia Harcourt on the series, adding another layer to Gunn’s attachment to the show he helped create.
Jennifer Holland Shares Insight on Gunn’s Fondness for Peacemaker
At the 53rd Saturn Awards, where Peacemaker won Best Superhero Television Series, Jennifer Holland openly spoke about the show’s special status in Gunn’s creative portfolio. She described Peacemaker as his “favorite child,” a claim she said he would deny if questioned directly due to the inevitable comparisons with his other works. Holland expressed this sentiment candidly:
“I have a little window into [James Gunn’s] soul. I just want to say something that I know that he would not admit in the same way that a parent wouldn’t admit they had a favorite child. I know ‘Peacemaker’ is his favorite child. That’s the truth; he’ll deny it if you ever ask him to confirm, but it’s true.”
— Jennifer Holland, actress
She elaborated on why Peacemaker feels closest to James Gunn’s true creative voice. The show’s unique tone blends humor, darkness, and vulnerability in a way that reflects Gunn’s personal style. She called the series
“the most James Gunn thing that he has ever made,”
highlighting how it combines comedy and bizarre moments with a warm, human story about connection.
“This show is the most James Gunn thing that he has ever made. It’s dark, weird, funny, unique, gross, and underneath it all is the warmest, most beautiful, human story just about people connecting, and that’s who James is.”
— Jennifer Holland, actress
James Gunn’s Vision for Peacemaker within the DC Universe
Gunn has often explained that Peacemaker holds a significant place for him personally, especially as he steers the evolving DCU. In a press discussion after the Peacemaker Season 2 finale, he described the importance of the anti-hero character and his hopes to elevate smaller, lesser-known heroes alongside iconic figures such as Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman.
“He’s really important to me. Peacemaker is an important character. And I said from the beginning when we took on this job, it’s about really propping up and maintaining and repositioning the big diamond properties that DC has, the Batmans and Wonder Womans and Supermans, and then creating diamond properties out of the smaller characters like Peacemaker.”
— James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
Gunn’s goal is to maintain the prominence of well-known heroes while investing in the growth of smaller characters, such as Peacemaker, transforming them into valuable properties within the broader DCU landscape.
Recognition for Peacemaker at the Saturn Awards
During the 53rd Saturn Awards, both John Cena and Jennifer Holland received acting nominations for their roles in Peacemaker, though neither secured a win. Despite this, the HBO Max series was honored with Best Superhero Television Series, beating tough competition including Daredevil: Born Again, Invincible, The Sandman, Ironheart, and Gen V. This victory reflected the series’ strong appeal and Gunn’s successful creative direction.
What Lies Ahead for Peacemaker After Season 2
Peacemaker Season 2 concluded with a dramatic cliffhanger, introducing Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo, who teamed up with Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor to establish Salvation, an interdimensional prison for metahumans. Rick Flag Sr. seeks revenge for his son’s death, which occurred at Peacemaker’s hands during The Suicide Squad movie. He imprisons Peacemaker in Salvation, while the surviving 11th Street Kids continue running Checkmate within the DCU.
Despite the cliffhanger setting up potential future stories, James Gunn confirmed that a third season of Peacemaker is not currently planned. He explained that the ending is meant to develop the wider DCU narrative and intersect with other upcoming projects like Man of Tomorrow.
“No, this is about the wider DCU and other stories in which this [the ending of Season 2] will play out right now. So that doesn’t mean that there won’t be. I don’t want to… never say never. But right now, no. This is about the future of the DCU.”
— James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
Rumors have circulated that John Cena’s Peacemaker could appear next year in the Man of Tomorrow film, potentially building on the Salvation storyline introduced at the end of Season 2. If Rick Flag Sr. and his prison are central to the Superman sequel narrative, this crossover would deepen Peacemaker’s involvement in the larger DCU.
The Significance of Gunn’s Favoritism in the DCU
Given Jennifer Holland’s remarks, it is clear that Peacemaker is a passion project for James Gunn and the one piece of the old DCEU to fully transition into the new DCU framework. His open favoritism raises questions about whether focusing on a smaller, lesser-known character might overshadow marquee heroes like Batman and Wonder Woman, who have yet to make their DCU debuts. This creative decision could influence the studio’s future direction and fan expectations as the DCU continues to evolve.
Ultimately, Peacemaker stands as a reflection of Gunn’s unique storytelling style and an important component of his vision for the DCU, blending humor, heart, and complex characters in ways that distinguish it from more traditional superhero fare. The coming years will show how this “favorite child” project integrates with, and shapes, the future of the franchise as a whole.
